Why is Smoking Harmful?

Statistics show that about 400,000 people die per year because of smoking. Smoking causes many damages to a person and to the environment in many different ways. The following are some points that will demonstrate how smoking can harm a person.

Smoking leads to cancer: Smoking leads to cancer of the nose, mouth, larynx (voice box), trachea, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, cervix, bone marrow and blood. This is caused because of a certain chemical found in the cigarette called carcinogenic which causes cancer. When this chemical reacts with heat it causes mutations in the cells which causes them to increase, causing cancer.

Leads to formation of wrinkles and premature ageing: Smoking causes age spots, puffy eyes, dull, dry skin and wrinkles. The chemicals found in cigarettes cause the healthy capillaries under the skin to contract the blood flow to your skin. The lack of oxygen and blood causes the skin to look dull. It also leads to permanent damage to connective fibers like elastin and collagen and leads to the formation of permanent lines and wrinkles.

Causes the teeth to stain: A chemical called tar, is found in cigarettes and that is what coats the teeth causing them to turn yellow. Tar usually becomes permanent on a the teeth because it’s difficult to clean off. Smoking also kills the good bacteria in the mouth and it increases the amount of saliva in the mouth.

Causes bones to be more brittle: Smoking causes the loss of bone density. This happens because of the increase of the amount of calcium leeched from bones. Osteoporosis can also be caused due to the loss in bone density. Loss of bone density also causes loss of teeth and joint pain.

Published by aispantherexpress

The Panther Express is an electronic newsletter from the students of the American International School in Egypt. The Panther Express is a place where opinion, news, and facts are incorporated.
The Panther Express was founded by Malak Sekaly and Hana El Safoury on April 13, 2013.